Countryfile Magazine inspires you to explore forgotten corners of the great British countryside and provides knowledge of the people and wildlife that inhabit it. We want to tempt you into trying new things, seek out new places and make the most of Britain’s beautiful landscapes.

Christmas spirit unbroken

THIS MONTH’S CONTRIBUTORS

DECEMBER IN THE COUNTRY • PICTURES › WILDLIFE › PEOPLE & PLACES › COUNTRY KNOW-HOW › FOOD

WINTER ILLUMINATIONS • Bring colour and light to the cold winter nights with our round-up of radiant winter trails

HOLLY CHRISTMAS CARDS • Gather a handful of leaves on your next winter walk and make personalised Christmas cards for friends and family.

ID GUIDE: CONIFER CONES • Pine cones are the mature female flowers of conifer trees. They protect the tree’s seeds, opening to release them when conditions are right for germination.

Perfect parsnips

THE HEALING POWER OF NATURE

On the farm with Adam Henson • THE END OF A CHALLENGING YEAR FOR FARMERS

Sara Maitland • Orkney’s Neolithic remains reveal close connections with our ancient ancestors

WILTSHIRE WONDERLAND • Big skies, silkily rolling hills and ethereal ancient sites offer idyllic winter escapes, where you can celebrate the haunting power of the solstice before snuggling down into Christmas cheer, says Nicola Chester

WINTER LIGHTS

NOW GO THERE • Where to stay and what to do in Wiltshire, by Nicola Chester

COVID-19

Have yourself an outdoor Christmas • The best way to celebrate with loved ones this Christmas might well be to gather outdoors. Here’s how to keep everyone jolly in winter weather

MULLED APPLE JUICE

BUTTERBEAN AND ROSEMARY SOUP

The sacred evergreen • It once graced midwinter ceremonies up and down the land and its berries flavour Britain’s favourite spirit, yet many of us struggle to recognise it. Adele Brand charts the rise and fall of a forgotten conifer – the juniper

JUNIPER IN GIN

WILDLIFE IN A JUNIPER TREE

JUNIPER IN THE KITCHEN

JUNIPER ID GUIDE

JOHN CRAVEN • BIG PLANS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF OUR COUNTRYSIDE

BEHIND THE HEADLINES BTB AND THE BADGER CULL • Earlier in 2020, the Government announced that the culling of badgers to cut transmission of bovine tuberculosis (bTB) would be reduced in favour of vaccination. However, badger culling has gone ahead in 11 counties after Natural England issued licences this autumn. Mark Rowe reports on the latest updates

NATURAL CHRISTMAS • Cut-flower grower Charlie Ryrie relishes the first signs of winter in her Dorset garden, and makes a gorgeous rustic wreath for the festive season

WINTER PLANTS FOR DECORATIONS

MAKE A WREATH

HAPPY BIRTHDAY RUPERT • Since he first appeared 100 years ago, Rupert Bear has attracted a loyal readership, eager to follow his adventures in Nutwood and magical worlds beyond. Ben Lerwill explores the appeal of a classic country character

Winter beauty • Our pick of stunning seasonal images from the Landscape Photographer of the Year 2020 competition

Somerset festive feast • Why not support your community by going local this Christmas? Smallholders Kathy and Tom present four delicious recipes using ingredients from their Somerset home, and explain how you can source good food from nearby farmers and producers

HOW TO GO LOCAL • There is an abundance of makers, sellers, producers and growers of amazing food across the UK, but it can often take some research to find them. Here are some handy starting points.

Gifts from the heart • This has been a year of challenges, so here are some ideas on how to treat your loved ones with sustainable homegrown gifts while supporting local makers,...